Sorento oozes comfort and class

Just a glance into the living quarters of this spacious SUV is suffice to get the message across that the Korean automaker has moved to a level of refinement never before encountered in any of its vehicles. No surprise then that it has already been raking in awards, less than a year after is global debut at the Paris Motor Show.

Korean vehicles are tremendously popular in this country even though they have always leaned towards producing reliable vehicles with rather bland exterior looks and vanilla cabin finishes but according to the suits at Kia the much classier new Sorento is the pacemaker for all future Kia vehicles.

Although Hyundai and Kia are members of the same clan (they share some key make-up and engine components) the gloves are off when it comes to the fight for the wallets of local car-buyers and the Sorento is not only giving a finger to the likes of Chevrolet Captiva and Nissan Pathfinder but also to its close Hyundai Santa Fe relative. In fact, it is beginning to encroach on the Jeep Cherokee and Toyota Fortuner territory.

Like the previous model, the new Sorento has an imposing presence on the road but this time round it is not just its sheer size that makes it stand out (it's now even longer, lower and wider than the previous model) but also its handsome new make-up and design. Eye-candy features include slim wrap-around headlamps and larger grille with a distinctive three-dimensional diamond pattern plus a lower roofline, larger alloys wheels and broad bonnet which makes it look much more muscular.

However, it's in the living quarters where the Sorento edges much closer to the kind of quality one has come to expect in expensive German vehicles. Led by Kia's European design team based in Frankfurt, it now has the most sophisticated, luxurious cabin yet seen in a Kia, featuring the type of quality materials and finishes that propel the brand to a new level of hoity-toity.

The horizontal layout of the instrument cluster is both practical and pretty and the high proportion of soft-touch materials and leather creates a modern, luxury feel to the cabin, further enhanced by the Saturn Black interior (with cloth or leather trim) which is standard across the range.

A range of multimedia entertainment options are available but all models have a radio/CD/ MP3 player, USB and AUX-in connections and six speakers dotted around the cabin. In the entry-level models information is displayed on a 3,8-inch display, while higher specification grades feature a 4,3-inch colour touch screen that incorporates the rear-parking camera. (For R10 000 more buyers can have a 20-inch unit with satnav).

New soundproofing material and a number of design changes have led to improved NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) levels and the result is a top-class, tranquil travelling environment which matches the overall look and feel of the Sorento.

The increased exterior dimensions and the extended wheelbase have also created generous additional space in the cabin. Available in five- or seven-seat versions, the new Sorento features 40/20/40 second row split folding seats for more versatility. Depending on the model grade, the second-row seats can be 'remotely' folded by conveniently located levers in the side of the cargo bay.

Depending on the model, the 10-way power-assisted driver's seat has features such as four-way lumbar support and an extending knee support at the touch of a button. Four-way headrest movement is also available as well as two stored settings for the driver's seat and rear view door mirrors. Headroom and luggage space have also increased.

In additional to looking and feeling much better the latest Sorento brings with it a long list of fancy on-board technologies that include Blind Spot Detection, a Lane Change system and a powered tailgate which opens when the key is 'sensed' in close proximity to the trunk. It also has an electric closing mechanism plus a memory function for opening height.

The new Sorento offers four specification grades, ranging from LS and LX at the entry level to the mid-spec EX and top-spec SX and a choice between a 2,4-litre multi-point injection petrol engine and its trusty 2,2-litre turbo-diesel.

A new addition to the range is an entry-level 2.4-liter petrol engine that produces 127kW and 225Nm which does feel a tad lacking in kick although this only really came to the fore when I changed chariots to one of the much more powerful 2.2 turbo-diesel models that punches out 147Nm and 440Nm. The manual shift on the petrol version is smooth and pleasant to use but the auto box is the star of the show, being a perfect match for the diesel-engine.

The four new models offer a number of options - diesel or petrol; front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive and a choice between five-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions. On our test drive we didn't get to play in the rough so we couldn't test the all-wheel drive models but the system remains basically the same: power is delivered to the front wheels and is transferred to the back when the front wheels start losing grip. As on previous models the AWD system can also be locked so that power is split equally between front and back wheels.

The Sorento's ride quality has improved by huge margins and even on the patched, pothole-scarred roads between Hoedspruit and Nelspruit it glided along quietly and confidently. Finding a pleasant driving position is a doddle, the instrument panel is clear and logical, the all-round views are good and the steering is light enough to manhandle this Korean wagon through traffic on school-taxi runs and into tight parking spaces at the shopping mall.

There are many differences between the various specification levels so potential buyers need to do their research homework with care. Whilst all the models have fancy features and share safety and driver aids there is a vast difference between the entry level and the flagship model and it's a lot more than just the price. Optional extras are very tempting but they, too, can make your bank balance shrink.

But good cabin quality, lots of space and comfort, numerous safety features and a pleasant ride come standard with all four models. A further bonus is the purchase-price-inclusive five-year/150 000km warranty and three-year unlimited roadside assistance. The Sorento 2.4 LS comes as standard with a four-year/90 000km service plan, while LX, EX and SX models include a five-year/100 000km maintenance plan.

The models and prices are: